A common electrical issue that home inspectors find is electrical outlets that have hot and neutral wires reversed, or reversed polarity. While this is generally an easy fix, uncorrected it presents a potential shock hazard for a home’s occupants. Reversed polarity occurs when an electrical outlets wiring is installed backwards (hot in the neutral [...]
Mold growth on a home’s soffits and adjacent components, such as fascia boards and gutters, can be a mysterious and frustrating condition for a homeowner. Soffits are the exterior horizontal undersize components at the eaves of a home. They are typically made of wood but can also be made of vinyl or other materials. [...]
Corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST) is a type of flexible piping used in the installation of natural gas and propane supply lines in residential and commercial buildings. CSST is a more flexible and easier-to-install alternative to traditional rigid steel or black iron pipes. It is often coated with a yellow or black exterior for [...]
Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV) is a technology used to improve the indoor air quality of a building while also enhancing energy efficiency. It is particularly common in residential and commercial buildings where airtight construction can lead to poor ventilation. The basic principle of HRV involves exchanging stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air while [...]
Maintaining your home's sewer line and preventing potential clogs is essential for several reasons, and neglecting this aspect of home maintenance can lead to various problems that can be costly to repair and can lead to unsanitary conditions within the home. Regular maintenance helps prevent the accumulation of debris, grease, and other materials that [...]
Wood stoves have long been a beloved addition to countless households, offering a comforting warmth and rustic allure. However, amidst their charm, aging wood stoves can have concealed hazards that homeowners may not recognize. While these appliances have served as reliable heat sources for generations, it is crucial to acknowledge the potential difficulties of [...]
The Risks of Chimney Fires and the Need for Chimney Cleaning Picture yourself nestled up in front of a warm, crackling fire, enjoying the warmth and comfort it offers. The risk of chimney fires, which many homeowners underestimate, lurks behind this picturesque scene. In this article, we'll examine the dangerous world of chimney fires, [...]
A slow draining sink, tub, or shower are a common problem and one that we find often during the home inspection. A slow draining plumbing fixture can be the result of a simple clogged trap or it can indicate a more significant plumbing issue that would be outside the ability of a typical homeowner [...]
Fiber cement siding is found on many homes in our areas. It is the most commonly installed siding material in our area today. Most people refer to the siding as “Hardie Plank,” however, that is just one style of siding manufactured by the company JamesHardie. This manufacturer, and others, produce many different styles of [...]
Using a battery pack at the igniter for a gas fireplace can be necessary when the home has lost power or if electricity has been disconnected from the electric igniter at the gas fireplace. It may not occur to all homeowners that utilizing a gas fueled appliance still requires a small amount of electricity [...]
